Portland gets $50K grant to feed kids

PORTLAND — City after-school and summer meal programs for children recently got a boost with a $50,000 grant from the National League of Cities, Mayor Michael Brennan announced Friday, Oct. 24.

Awarded to the city Health and Human Services Department, the grant is part of a league effort funded by the Wal-Mart Foundation in partnership with the Washington, D.C.-based Food Research and Action Center. Portland was one of 10 cities selected for grants.

Brennan noted that more than 50 percent of city youth are eligible for free and reduced lunches at city schools.

“This funding will significantly expand the impact of what has already been a successful collaboration over the past few years among our deeply committed partners. We’re grateful that we’ve been selected,” Brennan said in a news release.

The city has also received more than $40,000 in additional grants to sustain youth meal programs at 15 locations in the city.